Propulsion Engineer Jobs

Propulsion engineers design, analyze, test, and improve the systems that move aircraft, spacecraft, launch vehicles, and other high-performance platforms. Their work may involve rocket engines, gas turbines, electric propulsion, fuel systems, combustion, and thermal management. Explore vetted Propulsion Engineer opportunities on Ladders, focused on professional roles paying $100,000 or more.

What Propulsion Engineers Do

Responsibilities vary by employer and product, but can include developing propulsion concepts, building performance models, evaluating components, interpreting test data, and supporting systems through design, qualification, and production. Engineers also collaborate across disciplines such as aerodynamics, structures, controls, manufacturing, and systems engineering to meet performance, safety, reliability, and cost goals.

Common Skills and Qualifications

Many roles call for a degree in aerospace, mechanical, or a related engineering discipline, along with experience in propulsion or thermal-fluid systems. Employers may seek knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, combustion, turbomachinery, materials, simulation tools, and experimental testing. Depending on the position, familiarity with requirements management, technical documentation, and regulated or defense programs may also be valuable.

Industries and Career Paths

Propulsion engineers work across aerospace, commercial aviation, space exploration, launch services, defense, and advanced technology. Career paths can lead to senior or principal engineering positions, technical leadership, chief engineering, program management, or specialized work in engine performance, combustion, testing, or electric propulsion.

Find Propulsion Engineer Jobs on Ladders

Use Ladders to explore vetted professional opportunities with compensation of $100,000 or more. Compare roles by employer, location, experience level, and technical focus to find a position aligned with your expertise and career goals. Job requirements and compensation vary by opening.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
More
1
caret down

$90K - $120K *

Shape innovative engineering solutions as you lead complex projects, focusing on low to medium voltage power systems in industrial settings. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior e...

Warrenville, ILRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$77K - $118K *

Join our structural design team to lead innovative projects, utilizing 3D modeling software to create structural layouts and solve complex design challenges. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams...

United StatesRemote

1 week ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$87K - $108K *

Shape the future of fire protection engineering by designing innovative fire suppression and alarm systems for diverse, complex infrastructure projects. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ens...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$130K - $176K *

Elevate project outcomes by leading complex engineering initiatives in the Power Lifeline Sector, ensuring effective execution from inception to close-out while managing resources, budget, and quality...

United StatesRemote

Reposted 6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$107K - $204K *

Unlock potential by leading the development of advanced materials modeling tools for gas turbine engines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance manufacturing processes and drive innovatio...

East Hartford, CTRemote

Today

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$119K - $161K *

Unlock potential by applying advanced thermal analysis techniques to solid rocket motor components. Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to drive technical excellence and ensure compliance with e...

New Market, ALRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$100K - $200K *

Partner with us to develop groundbreaking simulation products, focusing on AI and robotics. Engage with customers to shape product roadmaps, create prototypes, and enhance integration within the simul...

CanadaRemote

4 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Information Technology

$76K - $102K *

Unlock potential by ensuring compliance and quality in ferry terminal materials. Collaborate with contractors and project teams to maintain infrastructure integrity, supporting Washington's vital tran...

Seattle, WARemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Education, Government & Non-Profit

$110K - $130K *

Optimize program delivery by leading complex projects from proposal to execution. Drive cross-functional collaboration, manage budgets, and ensure customer commitments are met while mentoring junior p...

United StatesRemote

6 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$161K - $230K *

Join a team that's shaping the future of energy by providing expert consulting on gas pipelines and FERC regulations. Lead client engagements, manage deliverables, and drive business development while...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$154K - $223K *

Join a team that's redefining energy solutions by leading the development of advanced control systems for microgrids and distributed energy resources, ensuring seamless integration and operational exc...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$165K - $253K *

Join a dynamic team to lead complex instrumentation and controls engineering projects in nuclear power. Drive innovation, ensure compliance, and enhance safety through digital upgrades and strategic c...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$110K - $130K *

Lead the delivery of complex projects across multifaceted industries by managing teams, budgets, and schedules while ensuring quality, safety, and client satisfaction in regulated environments...

RemoteRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$129K - $193K *

Join a dynamic team as a Subject Matter Expert, guiding mission planning solutions for USMC aviation. Collaborate with engineers and pilots to enhance operational capabilities and deliver impactful tr...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$133K - $199K *

Champion a high-performing team of data engineers to drive data transformation, influence technical architecture, and ensure reliable data systems while aligning with business objectives and engineeri...

RemoteRemote

Yesterday

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$182K - $212K *

Lead quality assurance efforts in rolling stock engineering, overseeing vehicle procurement and rebuilds. Collaborate with teams to ensure high standards and timely delivery while supervising inspecti...

United StatesRemote

Yesterday

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Transportation

$111K - $150K *

Join a team that's advancing renewable energy solutions through expert power system analysis. Lead complex studies, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive innovative engineering practices...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Manufacturing & Automotive

$134K - $205K *

Join us in overseeing the commissioning of electrical systems in power plants. This leadership role involves managing fieldwork, strategic planning, and collaboration to ensure optimal performance and...

United StatesRemote

2 days ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$202K - $289K *

Champion growth in environmental services by leading business development, managing complex projects, and fostering client relationships in the power industry. Leverage your expertise to navigate regu...

United StatesRemote

Today

  •   15+ years exp.  •   Technical Services

$120K - $200K *

Champion parts engineering and reliability assurance for space missions. Lead selection, qualification, and reliability analysis of components, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure miss...

Reston, VARemote

Reposted 3 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Aerospace & Defense

$84K - $129K *

Join a team that's dedicated to innovative structural engineering solutions. Leverage your expertise in materials and design to tackle complex challenges in power transmission upgrades, ensuring clien...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Technical Services

$103K - $181K *

Empower a dynamic Agile team in developing critical mission applications, utilizing your expertise in enterprise software development and fostering effective collaboration to enhance solutions for com...

United StatesRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$80K - $95K *

Support the planning and implementation of traffic management for major infrastructure projects, ensuring safety and compliance with standards. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop effective traff...

CanadaRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Real Estate & Construction

$125K - $150K *

Unlock your potential as you design and implement cutting-edge protective relay systems, ensuring safety and efficiency across multiple projects while collaborating with engineers and clients to deliv...

Tennessee, USRemote

3 weeks ago

  •   11 - 15 years exp.  •   Energy & Utilities

$110K - $130K *

Join a team that's redefining theoretical physics through innovative AI tools. Collaborate to develop groundbreaking technology solutions that enhance research, streamline processes, and drive scienti...

RemoteRemote

Reposted 2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What does a propulsion engineer do?question toggle

    A propulsion engineer designs, analyzes, tests, or improves systems that generate thrust or power for vehicles such as aircraft, spacecraft, and launch vehicles. Specific duties depend on the technology and employer.

  • What qualifications are common for propulsion engineer jobs?question toggle

    Many positions seek a bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, plus relevant experience. Requirements may include expertise in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, combustion, turbomachinery, modeling, or testing.

  • Which industries hire propulsion engineers?question toggle

    Common employers include aerospace and aviation companies, spaceflight and launch providers, defense contractors, and organizations developing advanced propulsion technologies.

  • What skills are useful in a propulsion engineering career?question toggle

    Useful skills include propulsion-system analysis, thermal-fluid sciences, simulation, test planning, data analysis, technical communication, and cross-functional collaboration. The most relevant skills vary by specialty and role.

  • Are Propulsion Engineer jobs on Ladders $100,000 or more?question toggle

    Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Compensation and eligibility requirements vary by listing, so review each opening for current details.